Dombra is more than an old Kazakh instrument. It is a voice. A wooden voice with two strings. Long ago, in the wide lands of Kazakhstan, nomads sat by fires and played it in their yurts. They told stories through…
Balalaika is a string instrument from Russia. It is shaped like a triangle, and has just three strings. Not six like a guitar. Just three. But that’s all it needs. The sound it makes? Bright. Snappy. A little twangy. You…
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Antique German clarinets are something special. These unique pieces are built with the Oehler system and strong grenadilla wood, still sound amazing today. Some were even used by great players like Anton Stadler, who played music by Mozart over 200…
The big difference in the Mandolin vs Mandocello question is all about high sounds versus low sounds. You can think of them as part of the same instrument group, but one is built to play high notes and the other…
The djembe is not just a drum. It’s something you feel. The djembe pulls you in for a reason. And the reason is the spirits of the djembe that live inside every beat you play. It comes from the heart…
What is a handpan? It’s a steel drum shaped like a UFO and has a round top and a hole underneath. The top has a big center called the ding. Around it are small dents. These are the tone fields.…
Taking care of your banjo is the key to keeping it sounding. Banjos are like big building toys with lots of screws and bolts. Over time, these can get loose. When that happens, your banjo might not sound the same…
How to sit on a cajon might sound simple. But if your tone feels flat, too soft, or kind of weak, the way you sit could be the real problem. Your back might be curved. Maybe your legs are too…
Storing guitars in cold climates can damage them fast. Cold air is dry. Dry air makes the wood shrink. The guitar can crack. The neck can bend. Even the finish can split. You might keep your guitar in a garage…